Poverty affects access to early childhood services

Families living in poverty are struggling to benefit from vital early childhood services at every level, according to a joint new report from the NSPCC and UNICEF UK.

The study, Opening doors: access to early childhood services for families impacted by poverty in the UK, found that families on low incomes were missing out on maternity, health visiting and family hubs, with services often limited, hard to reach, under-resourced or unable to support those experiencing financial hardship (Nevin and Jacques, 2024).

The study drew on an analysis of existing evidence as well as new research compiled with the help of 30 parents and carers, 12 early childhood service professionals and an online survey of almost 3 000 UK families.

It is known that poverty can have a negative impact on young children's development, increasing their likelihood of ill health and poor mental health, putting them at a disadvantage before they start school.